6-18-11

When Jessica and Shawn first contacted us about photographing their Pittsburgh wedding reception, they told us that they were planning their ceremony to take place in Barbados. It was the perfect place for these two to tie the knot – they not only LOVE the beach, but have traveled to lots of different beach destinations together during their years of dating (their favorite spot being Barbados). In order to take advantage of our “all-inclusive” photography package, the couple planned on a day of wedding photos around the city with their favorite photographers followed by a lavish reception at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Although we didn’t get to photograph their nuptials at the beach, we loved being a part of their beach-themed Pittsburgh wedding and spending the day with the two of them.

We met Jessica and Shawn at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown where they both got ready for the day. We loved Jessica’s turquoise Christian Loubitin shoes that matched the beachy feel of the day.

Before heading out for photos around the city, Jessica and Shawn decided to schedule a “First Look” – but this time with a twist: they wanted to include their dogs. We, of course, loved the idea!

After we spent the afternoon shooting with Jessica and Shawn around the city, we headed out to Shawn’s family’s home in Glenshaw, PA. Their house is a historic landmark in the area and offered even more opportunities for photos!

Then we traveled to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, where their reception would take place. Even though the zoo was closing to the public (and the animals were going inside for the evening), we managed to snag a few pics with the elephants who were still out playing.

Jessica and Shawn’s details were expertly planned – light blues, oranges and greens conjured images of the seaside.

Gotta show off some fish shots!

Thanks to Jessica and Shawn for such a wonderful day filled with lots of photos and fun – two things that we love most! Check out more of their images in the slide show: